Kiggans and Magaziner Bill to Preserve Historic Battlefields Passes House on Eve of America’s 250th Birthday

Kiggans and Magaziner Bill to Preserve Historic Battlefields Passes House on Eve of America’s 250th Birthday June 03, 2026 | Uncategorized Watch Rep. Kiggans’ speech from the House Floor here . WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the House passage of her bipartisan bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 , which passed by a vote of 404-13. This bill would extend and increase federal resourcing for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) through Fiscal Year 2036 and continue the important work of preserving and restoring America’s historic battlefields. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As we prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation, preserving the places where America’s story was written has never been more important. Our battlefields serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, as well as a symbol of what unites us as Americans.” “I’d like to thank Rep. Magaziner for his partnership in this effort to preserve these historic grounds and for the bipartisan support the bill received on the House Floor today. By investing in preservation, we are ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to learn from the individuals who shaped American history.” “We must preserve these sacred sites and honor the brave Americans who fought on our soil to secure our nation’s freedom,” said Magaziner. “I am proud to help pass this important legislation so future generations can learn from, honor, and experience the places where history was made and so many sacrificed for our country.” “This legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the American Battlefield Protection Program. As we celebrate America’s 250 th birthday, I applaud Rep. Kiggans’ efforts to ensure that our nation’s most hallowed sites are conserved for future generations of Americans,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. “The passage of this bill sets in motion our preservation legacy for the next decade,” said American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan . “We are deeply grateful these lawmakers understand the power of America’s battlegrounds and are helping to safeguard our nation’s hallowed ground for generations to come.” “Those who fought for our nation left behind more than stories, they left behind the very places where history was made. Preserving America’s battlefields honors the service and sacrifice of generations who answered the call to defend our country. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, the For Country Caucus is proud to support efforts that honor our shared history and safeguard these hallowed grounds for generations to come,” said For Country Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Jake Ellzey and Rep. Don Davis. Read Rep. Kiggans’ speech, as prepared for delivery: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7618, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act. I want to thank Chairman Westerman, Chairman Tiffany and my bipartisan partner, Congressman Seth Magaziner, for their support of this important legislation. America’s battlefields are more than historic sites, they are outdoor classrooms, living memorials, and sacred grounds where generations of Americans fought and sacrificed for our nation. Yet many of these irreplaceable landmarks remain threatened by development and the passage of time. H.R. 7618 reauthorizes the American Battlefield Protection Program through Fiscal Year 2036, streamlines and improves the flexibility of existing battlefield interpretation and restoration grants, and directs the National Park Service to evaluate significant sites associated with the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War to help inform future preservation efforts. These changes will help ensure future generations can learn from and experience the places where our nation’s history was made. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, preserving these hallowed grounds is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the Americans who came before us and pass their stories on to those who will follow. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I yield back. The bill will now head to the Senate for consideration. Background: In February 2026, Reps. Jen Kiggans and Seth Magaziner (RI-02) introduced the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 , endorsed by the American Battlefield Trust. Read the Congresswoman’s press release following the bill’s introduction here . In March 2026, Rep. Kiggans spoke before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 7618. Read the Congresswoman’s press release and watch her speech here . In April 2026, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026 advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources following markup. Read the Congresswoman’s statement here .